Plod City

6.5km jog around the Domain and CQ, bumping into and running with JF and Big Mikey H along the way.

More drop-outs for tomorrow with Dicky H suffering from a dicky ankle. However, the big news (and a major blow for the English contingent in the ongoing battle for the Ashes) is that Wildman is running. So I've updated his estimated time below. Based on my predictions, the 3 man Aussie team will beat the 3 man English team by a whopping 2:XX (feck, nearly gave the game away with my own predicted time).

72km for the week.

They're dropping like flies

Quentin out (that jettisons race plan #1). JF doubtful. Andy doubtful. It's the big race pressure. Only MC seems to be reacting in the right way, running angry after the naysayers predicted him conservative race times. Young Timmy's scared. Chances are our Stoke FC schoolboy reject will be developing Enda style flu in the next 24 hours.

Busy at work again but popped out this evening for 8km with five 40s - 60s fast patches interspersed. Felt good.

It's a drug

Managed 2 days off (and didn't feel like running at all) but was bouncing around my office this morning and persuaded myself that a gentle 6km would be a good idea so that I could have a good stretch afterwards. Bumped into JF (still with the lingering effects of the flu) and Andy along the way and ran with them.

Lots of trash talking going on about Saturday's race. This race, the C2S and JPMorgan are the three big HuRT Squad races of the year. Poor old Mikey is copping a fair bit of flak. And I'll spare him none here. These are my honest predictions based on people I know are running (assuming favourable weather conditions):

(Actual results in brackets)

Wildman: 31:37 (30:37) - doops
Quentin: 32:40 (DNS)
Tucks: 32:48 (32:32)
Bartles: 33:15 (33:01) - I know how that feels
JB: 33:25 (33:21)
Rich H: 33:43 (DNS)
Andy: 33:45 (33:45!)
JF: 33:49 (DNS)
Big Sam: 34:24 (34:56)
TB: 34:35 (34:01)
Dickyboy: 34:49 (DNS)
Richie P: 34:52 (34:40)
Young Timmy: 34:53 (34:51)
Jamie: 35:10 (DNS)
MC: 35:42 (36:15)
Kanser: 36:52 (37:14)

Long run with the Manly Boys

Up for a 6am start with Sam and Quentin. Took 2 Voltaren last night to get through the run and the heel was painless. Voltaren is the best drug in the world. And so small. Kirst could have slipped two into my mashed potato last night and I wouldn't even have noticed. I'm going to have to take some rest. Legs are far too tight and continually running on them just makes the achilles sore. I'm doing a load of stretches which works temporarily but feel as though I need to give them a rest to recover.

In saying all that, today's run was a monster. The boys went off at their usual pace. I felt great throughout and the time flew with plenty of conversation. Big Sam started to put the hammer down at 23km and we did the next 10km in under 40 mins. Timmy and MC - try and stick with him next week at your peril. The big guy is flying and I'm predicting a low 34.

All up 36.02km in 2:30:47 (4:11's). Another 6km at the same pace and it would be a 2:57 marathon.

North Head 10km - 5th in 33:26

Stood on the start line in cold conditions next to Thamal wondering how to tackle the race. I wanted to be aggressive like last month but didn't want to make the same mistake as last year in sheltering everyone from the wind and giving them a free ride. We quickly settled into a leading group of 5 - myself, Thamal, Quentin, Bleasel and a young chap called Jonathan Hew. Thamal and I did most of the work. I ran without a watch again and, with no clocks on the course, I was completely blind. We stayed together as a group until the end of the loop at the end of the first lap (i.e. about 5.5km) when I started to drop off. My legs were just dead. Was still turning them over OK but just had no zip or strength today. I'm guessing it's the effects of a big week this week.

Found out later we went through 5km in 16:30. Jonathan Hew developed a rocket up his arse at 8km and immediately gapped the rest of them by 20m, with only Quentin chasing. This meant that Thamal dropped off which at least gave me something vaguely to chase to keep me honest. Bleasel is looking stronger by the week. Results here.

So a bit disappointed to be 30 seconds behind Quentin but I was surprised with the time as I thought I had completely blown out over the final 4km. I'm thinking I might take 3 days off after tomorrow's long run to freshen up. I'm constantly tired and the achilles is sore. I figure this will freshen me up before State 10km next week where I hope to go under 33. However, it may not be ideal to take 3 days off 5 weeks out from the marathon. Would be interested to hear people's thoughts.

Special mention to Sam who is getting stronger by the week to run 34:57 (a minute improvement in 3 weeks!). Helped along by Ray who has now entered GCM too and ran 35:01 after a 20km warm up.

Easy peasy

7km jog off the Jet Cat in Manly. Very slow. Heel sore.

100km for week.

easy run home

Busy day at work meant I missed Hickson Rd reps with the boys so ran home at 8.30pm instead. 61:37, a new PW!

Good interview here with Benny. He even gives a shout to the HuRT Squad!

Wednesday MLR

With JB and Richie H deciding that their priorities lay with Corporate Cup, I was a bit worried about being alone for the marathon pace stretches today. Luckily I was able to fall back on the services of the Australian 10,000m record holder and Wildman to push me along.

Bloody awful weather - cold, wet and windy. Showed up to find MC, RMR, King James, Andy, Benny St and Wildman huddled together. We shuffled off. My legs were numb, both from the cold and the last 2 days training. At Rushcutters I signalled the start of the first quick stretch and the Saint immediately heads off to the Gents leaving Wildman, Andy and I to force ourselves up through Edgecliff and up Ocean St - gale blowing in our faces. Felt tired here and wishing the session over. Easy lap of the park with the Saint suddenly reappearing from another toilet and we were off on the quick lap. Stevie called out splits of 3:25, 3:22 and 3:23 while he and Benny casually chatted about this and that and I concentrated with my head down, legs burning and spit dribbling down the side of my face.

Andy rejoined us for the jog back, one last quick stretch along Garden Island and we were done. One of those runs you just feel pleased you managed to finish and put in the bag.

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Used to be 4 x 10 mins. But when you get fitter it becomes 4 stone gates to stone gates, which is 2.92km, which is the way it was today.

Another huge crowd but with a few of the speedsters (Wildman, Tucks and Quentin) in hiding. More girls again, with Sonya and Olivia joining in this time. Ray will have to pick and choose who to run with soon.

Set off in a group with Fast Charlie, Andy, Dicky H and Bartles all running together with Teetotal Timmy, JF, Clyde and a host of others in hot pursuit. I was immediately struggling with the pace. Went through 1km hanging on to the back of the first group in 3:24 thinking I was running 10s quicker. It wasn't that it hurt, just that my legs didn't feel as though they could go any quicker. Felt good on the hills though where I'd claw back any gaps. Gradually got into it finishing OK. Times for the reps were as follows:

10:02
9:44
9:53
9:29

So they got quicker each time (reps 1 and 3 uphill). I felt better each rep. Make a concerted effort to drop everyone on the hills on rep 3 with just Fast Charlie holding on. Then on rep 4 I felt fantastic.

Obviously a bit of yesterday's run in the legs to start with. May struggle on Saturday as it's a big week ahead. Still deciding whether to do North Head or the relays.

Long Monday

35.02km in 2:35:55 (4:27's).

Did 22km around Manly - Burnt Bridge Creek, Queenscliff, Shelley, North Head (inc. Fairfax), North Steyne then picked up my bag from home and ran into work. Felt pretty average around 20km and it was a bit of a struggle from then on but didn't feel much worse at 35km. Made an effort up Parriwi Rd as I knew that would be the make or break. Had a burst of energy at 32km - dunno what Kanser is on about with this 32km mental barrier issue. He's plainly got issues.

Had to run in my flats which wasn't great for the left foot. Not too bad after plenty of stretching.

Easy Sunday

Still not feeling great this morning after Friday night's efforts so ditched the idea of racing the Manly Fun Run and ran with the kids in the 2km instead. Billy had a great run finishing 11th in 9:04, Bec was 22nd 30 seconds back but run of the day was Maggie showing her mother and elder brother a clean pair of heels to finish in 14:04 running all the way. Probably a safe bet that she was the first 3 year old.

Felt better in the afternoon (and it was a beautiful day) so headed out with Billy on his bike. We did 12.25km in 51:46 (4:14's). Billy will sleep well tonight.

Quick note of Friday night's bets so that no-one forgets. $200 that Wildman can't run sub 2:25 for a marathon by Gold Coast 2012 and $20 with MC on whether TB can go sub 34:20 at State 10km. Kanser went for $50. The match up that no-one was willing to put money on though is Young Timmy v MC.....

Easy Friday

Cruised around the usual 16km route with TB and Kanser. Beautiful day, much warmer than recently. 69:50. 97km for the week.

All set of the Sydney Striders Annual Dinner tonight. The hottest tickets in town. Young Timmy hasn't been able to sit down all day.

HuRTS Pyramid

Showed up today expecting a small crowd of maybe 2 or 3 and so was shocked to see a hoard of runners congregated near the Art Gallery. Tucks, Bartles, JB, JC, JF, Enda, Ray, Andy, Dom, Sam, LF Charlie and a whole host of others. Plans for an easy session were immediately aborted.

Reps went as follows:

80, 2:42, 4:08, 5:36, 4:06, 2:42, 76

5:36 for the long rep is 3:03 pace. So comparable to the best I've done (11th Dec '08). Nice and consistent though, and as Tucks said, that's the game. This coming from the metronome of the running world.

Legs felt pretty sluggish at the start of each rep but I tended to find something about half way through and finished them all alongside Tucks with Bartles a couple of yards back. Tough session mind.

11km all up. Need a longer one tomorrow to find the 100km this week.

Wednesday MLR

Usual route. Turned up late to find everyone gone. Caught up with the crowd along Garden Island (MC, Sam, Andy, JB, Craig, RMR, King James etc) then started the marathon pace stretches just with JB and Andy. 22:05 at the top of Ocean Street so a solid effort. Quick for the Centennial loop with JB pushing all the way (splits of 3:27, 3:20 and 3:25 feeling good). Then Wildman appeared and I ran back with him with a 3:19 split along Garden Island. All up 18.70km in 1:18:00 (4:10's). Perfect weather, cool, sunny and still.

HuRTS 5min reps

Big crowd, most taking it easy post SMH Half. Cool but beautifully sunny day. Perfect running conditions. Took all the reps easy trying not to overdo it. Chatted variously to Ray, Tucks, Quentin, MC, Laura, Aine, JB, JF, JC, Sam, as I say, loads were there. Other than Young Timmy of course. Last seen wandering down Wembley Way with a bottle of Jameson Irish...

Kids School X-Country today. Bec came 2nd and will be going to District which was brilliant given she's had the last 2 weeks off school having had her tonsils out. Billy unfortunately came 7th (top 6 go to District) having been pipped on the line just like his Dad. He was gutted. He was racing against boys in Year 4 though (he's in Year 2) so will have plenty of chances in the future.

Plod recovery

Very easy plod on the Monday route with MC, Ray, Sam, Andy, Craig, Brendan and others. 11.5km in 55 mins just to flush out the legs.

Managed to find a photo where I was in front of Tucks. It will go down for posterity...



Results of yesterday's race. And how good is THIS for the race splits?! Check out that 15-20km split Kanser...

SMH Half - 22nd in 1:12:38

Woke at the ungodly hour of 5am to catch a cab in with Sam, Dickyboy and Ben. It was blinking freezin'. And dark. Wondered what the he'll I was doing. A few stretches at work and a very short jog before being called to the start line very early. Stood around having a chat with Tucks, Steve Jackson and Keith. Everyone seemed to be there -particularly from th HuRT Squad. This really is a runner's race.

Gun went and got myself a clear path through and immediately felt pretty good. No idea about km splits as I'd decided to run without a watch again. Soon found myself in a group with Tucks, Jonathan Bleasel, Quentin, Quentin's friend from the USA and another chap who I think was called Geoff judging by the shouts from the side of the road. Speaking of which, that was the best thing about this race. Lots of loops back where you passed runners from behind going the other direction and got loads of shouts which was always a lift.

Went through 5km in 16:43 with Keith a good 30s in front and Tongey about 10s in front, having gone off fast once again. Our group was just sticking together though working really well - pretty rare in shorter races. Nikki Chapple, the first girl, was just in front and remained there from 5km to 15km, working by herself rather than in the group of 7 which couldnt have helped her. At 10km (34:03) we caught Tongey who I thought might immediately drop off but he raised the pace to stay with us. Had dark thoughts coming back along Hickson Road but worked the hill up to Kent Street well (i seemed to run the hills well today) to regain touch. We caught Nikki coming into Art Gallery road and I hit the front of our group with a rash surge of confidence only to have Tucks come past soon after. Still kept touch with him coming around Mrs Macs chair where we caught Keith (who suddenly stepped aside? - i'll claim the win in any case). However, Quentin and Tongey then came past at the ABC Pool going strong and gapped me. Legs were tiring rapidly and just held on from there holding off Jonathan and pipping Quentin's mate in the run in.

Chuffed to bits with the time. I was hoping for a sub74 so to run my second fastest on a tough course (and I'm still dubious of the accuracy of the Blackmores Half when i set my pb) was great. Bit disappointed not to challenge Tucks and Tongey in the run in. How come I manage to finish 5 seconds behind Tucks whatever the race distance? Plainly a psychological issue there.

Great to catch up with everyone after. Amazing run by the Chairman to run 70:45, the bloke's a machine. JF suffered over the distance to run just over 76. Same with Bartles who started strongly. Enda came good for a mid 76. Clyde ran mid 74 off little training. Even Kanser and Durante were out for a run. Other good runs out there. General consensus seemed to be that it was a tough but fair course. Even achilles OK so happy days.

Another one squeezed in

Friday was 11km late in the evening, this time through Darling Harbour, Glebe, Camperdown and back along Parramatta Rd to the office. About 11km very easy, feeling much better about SMH Half tomorrow than I was on Tuesday.

101km for the week.

Squeezing it in

12 hour meeting in Melbourne yesterday put paid to any running. Knackered again today but took some time out of work at 8pm for a run. Headed up to Bondi Junction via Garden Island but got lost and ended up going all the way around Queens Park and back. About 17km all up so a bit further than I wanted. Felt surprisingly OK though, that's what a day's rest and perfect cool conditions do for you.

HuRTS Progressive Tempo

Crowd of thousands today, we even had 4 girls (Ainee, Emma and Laura from MBL and Anna) but some more usual faces like Rich, LF Charlie, JF, Terence, MC, Tucks, Andy, Wildman, Sam and the Chairman. Tucks, Wildman and the Chairman immediately went to the front and I started running with TB. I just had no energy to go with the front boys, the weekend's efforts having caught up on me. Turned under the second bridge still with TB and immediately put some effort in. Caught JF, Rich and Andy at CQ at the same time that Tucks, Wildman and the Chairman caught me. They were flying. From then on I ran with Rich all the way back. Final gate to gate in 10:09 and got back in 44:54 (12.6km). Average pace of 3:33's but I was running tired. Think I'll take tomorrow easy rather than the 19km marathon stretches and try to recover.

Easy peasy

Very easy run home. Would have been enjoyable but for the fact it was freezing cold and pissing with rain. 59:47. Some pictures from Saturday's race:


Look - Stevie does a spastic hand like me!




Just to prove the point, here's mine.




Young Timmy; "Now if I just close my eyes, perhaps I can just pretend the clock says 34 something..."

Long run with the Manly boys

Out with Quentin and Sam for exactly the same as last week (including my 5km "get the legs moving" extra bit at the start). Stunning morning this morning - perfection conditions again and some beautiful views. The boys kept the pace very honest but still chatting all the way. Did an extra bit to Shelley Beach and back at the end (bumping into Jamie along the way) which upped the kms a bit. All up 33.58km in 2:21:31 (4:12's). Felt really good today. Took gels (Powerbar gel) at 50 mins and 1:40 which made a big difference.

Sam's going well - looked very strong today. Expect he'll make some big improvements soon.

Homebush Striders 7th in 33:29

I thought it was in the bag. 1:45 headstart for Timmy, had been feeling good, finally record a good time and I turn around after finishing to see Timmy crossing the line within 10 seconds of his PB! Hats off to the fella, things are obviously a bit tough at home to put so much effort into getting $20 off me. Tucks did question whether he'd hidden behind a tree and avoided the final loop of the horse track but I've got more faith in him - Timmy's an honest grafter. So he gets the cash by running 1:42 behind. Amazing how close we manage to make it though. Last time it was an 80 second start and he finished 80 seconds behind. I put it down to two consistent performers who know how to get the best out of themselves. Others may put it down to two old buggers who are scared to get out of their comfort zone.

I was chuffed with my race. Told myself beforehand that I wanted to push hard for 5km then hold on. Even ditched the watch as well as i just wanted to race it and not worry about times. Plan was to stick to Tongey who always seems to go out hard. That plan went out the window after 50m when Tongey didn't go out hard, so stuck to Tucks (as ever) instead. He was generally in front other than for short periods when the pace dropped a bit and I'd take a turn. Went through 5km in 16:30 and realized going round the car park that we were in front of the Horne which was a bonus. Tucks was pushing on between 5-7km and I was just hanging on but the hill killed me and I had a shocker km between 7 and 8km where Tucks gained about 10 seconds and sure enough I hear the quickfootstpes of the Horne approaching. I tried to hold on to him when he went past just after 8km to let him drag me around which worked to a certain extent but then I hear Tongey approaching too. Desperately tried to lift the pace past 9km to avoid a sprint finish with Tongey but to no avail. Started sprinting over the bridge and start catching the Horne at the same time. Too short though. Finish in 33:29, a NEW COURSE PB! Haven't said that for a while so very chuffed.

Did a warmdown with Tucks and Wildman, who turned up to collect his $50 from Timmy (he had to get under 34 mins) and ended up giving Dave Criniti a run for himself money finishing second in 32:15. You could sense he was disappointed not to get the win. That's the difference between champions and us also rans.

Beautiful day - cool, sunny and no wind.

Very easy Friday

6km jog to work (before hopping on a bus) at a very easy pace. Achilles sore though. Had a 9.5 hour meeting today which isn't great race prep but mustn't grumble, the bet with Timmy stands.

93km for the week.

HuRTS Mona Fartlek

Smallish crowd today but with Wildman, Tucks and Bartles fronting up it was never going to be easy. Some familiar faces showing up as well with Luke, Geoff, Sam, Dickyboy and Ray all there.

Had decided I wanted to push today's session from the start in order to make the Stone Gates. Given how many times we've done this session, it gives a pretty accurate guide as to where you're at with training. Set off hard with the boys behind and kept the floats honest such that we cruised the first gate to gate in 2:53 (ie. 3:10 pace including half of that as float). The hills were tough and we had a bit of a headwind but managed to get into the virtuous circle of running the hills on the floats. Stevie helped out heading into the 60s efforts and we reached the Stone Gates with 20s to spare. This equals our fastest ever from June 19 2008. Struggled a bit on 3rd and 4th 60s when Stevie gapped us but recovered again on the 30's. Ran with Tucks all the way back with Bartles just a bit behind. It's a solid session. Hurts like hell when running it but feel fine shortly after. Pleased to have the confidence back to go out hard though, i'm going to try the same on Saturday morning.

Jog down after for 11km all up.

Marathon pace Wednesday

Usual Centennial route with Andy and Rich with the usual marathon pace stretches. Overall time was 1:19:50 which was slightly down on last week despite being quicker (22:45) to the top of Ocean Street. I think the quick sections were quicker but the runs in between were slightly slower. Richie kept the quick pace very honest. Felt very fresh after yesterday's rest day (enforced through work which is hell at the moment).

Australian 10,000m Record!

Go Benny Saint! Fantastic result in Stanford last night with Ben running 27:24 to beat the Aussie record by 5 seconds. What a champ!

Easy run home tonight, but tired to start with. Felt better as the run went on in perfect cool conditions to finish up with 56:40. Feel as though I'm turning a corner...

Long run with the Bloggers

Tiger arrived at 6am limping so we hobbled 5.5km together before joining up with Dicky Green, Young Timmy, the Burglar, Sam, Quentin and Jamie at North Steyne. Dicky had a fairly flat route planned going up Pittwater Road, via Narrabeen Lake, back to Dee Why Beach and home. Because it was fairly flat, the boys seemed to think it would be a good idea to run at about 4:10 to 4:15 pace. Felt pretty good today though even with the quicker pace which is good after yesterday's race.

Timmy and the Tiger came around for bacon and egg rolls and a few cups of tea after which was good on the first sunny Sydney day in weeks. Tiger even showed us his trampolining skills. I gave it a go after and only managed to split Billy's lip and make him cry.

All up 30:02km in 2:13:08 (4:26 pace - the average slowed by a couple of very slow kms over the cliff at Queenscliff at the end and a slow start). Took a gel (Hi5 Isogel) at 15km which worked well but I reckon I needed another one just before 26km so perhaps every 45mins? I'll try that next week.

Revelation of the day was Hamburglar's fitness - he'll smash 3 hours at Gold Coast at this rate.

Novice 10km X-Country

10th in 34:53.

It was either a mud bath or a swimming pool. A few clear sections to add some pace but otherwise a slog. Treated it as another hard tempo and didn't get too excited beforehand (also a bugger of a day yesterday with meetings all day down in Melbourne). Having said that, at 3km with David Tonge and Thamal pulling ahead and a bloke from behind catching me, I decided it was time to either give up or make something of the race. Had a good second half after that, closing on David and Thamal (and thinking I was going to get David) before they lifted their game in the final km. Thamal finished in 34:34 and David 34:39.

Massive downpour half way through and got home feeling fluey. Hope to be ok for the morning to host the boys on a long run.

One Rep Wonder

Wowsers. Rocked up to one of the biggest HuRTS turnouts ever, at least for a Thursday, for the Gate to Gates off 5 mins. We were graced with the presence of CT, and with Bartles, Clyde, Fast Charlie, Dicky H, JF, Andy, Young Timmy, Ray and others backing up, there were plenty in support. Nick from Singapore showed up as well as Manly runners Dicky G and Sam.

With the race on Saturday, a bad head cold and 3 days of decent runs behind me, I didn't want to push hard today. So I sat in the middle of the pack staring at Young Timmy's unfortunately bare back and knocked out each rep between 2:55 and 2:57 (3:13 to 3:15 pace) feeling pretty comfortable. Got a bit excited on the final rep and tried to keep CT honest only to have Ray come flying by me and steal my thunder. Legs started to buckle a bit in the middle but managed to hold it together to finish the rep in 2:35 (2:51 pace).

Jog down after for 11kms all up.

Back to marathon pace

The usual Wednesday Centennial Route with Richard High including the 3 marathon pace stretches. Started with MC and Louis aswell but left them when we started the first marathon pace stretch at Rushcutters. Got through the run nicely and felt good around Centennial. Ran on the wide concrete path instead of the white fence due to all the recent rain.

Total of 18.69km in 1:19:34 (4:15 pace). Average pace would have been much lower but for the first few kms:

5:01, 5:14, 4:40, 4:03, 3:48, 4:13, 4:13, 4:15, 4:08, 3:31, 3:30, 3:34, 4:18, 4:31, 4:10, 4:24, 4:55, 3:35, 3:21 (4:52 pace).

Dicky went well.

15km Easy Hard

Something Tiger mentioned in his blog a couple of weeks ago resonated - trying to increase the average pace of the weekly mileage. Every time I run slow my achilles feels worse, so I'm going to try to include a bit of quality into every session I do.

Today was the 15km route running alternate kms easy and hard. Turned out to be an easyish session as you obviously spend longer running easy than hard, yet it was a good way to cover 15km relatively quickly. The easy kms end up being quicker than normal as you never fully slow down but they still feel like a recovery. Splits were as follows:

4:30, 3:39, 4:09, 3:23, 4:09, 3:30, 4:12, 3:32, 4:09, 3:48, 4:29, 3:25, 4:25, 3:34, 4:10, 1:11 (3:40 pace).

All up 15.33km in 1:00:23 (3:56 pace). The outlying 3:48 was up the hill at the back of Shelley Beach.

World's most tired man

Got back from Singas the world's most tired man.way too tired to run Saturday and intended to go out yesterday but fell asleep on the sofa instead. So was determined to fit my long run in today. Got a call from Dicky G last night suggesting a 20km fartlek session at 6.30am and that fitted the bill so set off in the pouring rain at 6.30am with him and Ben. We did 5 mins on and 5 mins off on a route up to Seaforth Oval, across to Tania Park, around there twice and then retraced our steps. For me, the fast sections got progressively quicker and the slow sections progressively slower as I'd circled back to regroup with Dicky and Ben. Still felt fresh at the end of the 20km (bottom of Suwarrow St) so just tagged on my standard flat 10km route which I knocked out in kms between 4:05 and 4:15. Felt tired at the end but a great way to get through the 30km.

All up 30.03km in 2:08:07 (4:16's).

Ran in my new Brooks Infiniti ordered over the net. Achilles feels great but plantar fascia very sore.

Couple of photos added from Singapore:

Early doors:




Blue Steel:

JPMorgan Chase Champs

21st in 18:16.

Hot, hot, hot. If we thought Sydney got hot and humid in summer, this was something else. Spent the whole day trying to hide in air conditioning but they arranged to bus us to the start area almost 3 hours before the race just to heat us up. I think I drank 5 bottles of Gatorade in the lead up. What this translated to was a scorching pace to start with but a question of holding on for afters.

Sprinted off and everyone was flying. After 500m Charlie starts pulling ahead and I couldn't go. He got into a nice bunch while as usual I found myself alone. Went through 1km in 3:02 then at 2km Travis comes alongside which spurred me into action a bit. 3km in 9:31 so still a quick pace but then the humidity started to take effect. A long drag of a hill between 3.5km and 5km and I was just concentrating on the back of the chap 20m in front and desperately looking for the km markers. 5km in 16:24 so a shocking 2km split but I was just hanging on with the longest finishing straight you've ever seen about to face us.

Jonno finished strongly and must have closed over the final 2km to record 18:26 as when I saw him at the turn he was running with Richie, Enda and Trav. Charlie had a great race to run 17:38. Many, many beers consumed after in a great night of celebrations. Will post pictures soon.

Four floors

10km on the treadmill trying to sweat out a hangover. 40:59 feeling ok in the circumstances. No doubt it will hit me tomorrow.

Recovery

Very easy 9km around the City in the evening in 42 mins, feeling relatively OK. Achilles has recoverd well after yesterday's long hilly run. Fly out to Singapore in the morning.

Berry Mountain

Out early for a run to the top of Berry Mountain and back. To be honest, it was a real struggle - heading out 12 hours after a hard 10km and
facing 5kms of solid up hill from 9km until the turning point. 66:49 on the way out and 60:22 on the way back for 28kms in 2:07:11 (4:32s). Just pleased to have done it. Bit slower than last time though.

Hard 10km

Felt very average over the past 24 hours (sore throat and joint aches) and was in two minds whether to do today's session but told myself just to give the first few kms a go and see how I felt. This is my 4th hard 10km on a Saturday in a row and feel as though I'm starting to feel some benefit. Finished in 35:04 after turning in 17:42. Felt great between 6 and 8km but struggled up the hill in the 9th km. Splits:

3:37, 3:33, 3:26, 3:35, 3:29, 3:34, 3:22, 3:32, 3:35, 3:19.

Easy 15km

Took my usual Upper River Road route but continued on for another 2.5kms before turning. Stunning scenery getting up towards the head of the valley especially as I was out at 8.30am before the sun had burnt off all the morning mist. This is getting quite poetic. Back to the stats. Turned at 32.32 and back in 63.07 (4.12's). Felt great which I didn't expect to after yesterday's session.

83km for the week.

Kangaroo Valley 400's

Kicked off my marathon training yesterday with a rest day. Didn't intend it that way, but after a day at Jambaroo Water Slide park (my second most favorite amusement park) arrived home in the dark which put paid to any run given the lack of street lighting.

Punished myself with 400's today, needing them with the JPMorgan race in a week. Jogged 3km to a straight flat section of road, marked out 400m on the Garmin (straight line so i think it was accurate) then did the usual session off a rolling 2 minutes. Reps went as follows:

69, 70, 70, 68, 70, 69, 69, 69, 69, 67.

Felt stronger in the second half than last week and form felt better, although that could be from running on road rather than grass. 3km jog back for 11kn all up.

Marathon Man

Kanser upped the bet to $200 so I'm in. Also had an email from Sam at GS saying he was in, Quentin said he was in so I'll have some local training partners for the long Sunday runs. Others confirmed are Enda and the Tiger. Just need to hold the body together for 11 weeks.

Today was the same 10km as yesterday at the same effort but 2mins quicker - 39:14 after 20:24 at half way. Shows the impact of running the day after a long run. Then timed the kids for a "round the farm" X-Country route. They kept on knocking fractions off their times with Bec running her fastest of 43.28s and Billy 43.30. Amazing how close they are, but they refuse to race one another, ala Coe and Ovett. I did a lap full bore and managed 36.20s so it shows how much quicker they are getting. Got a sore back now after trying a bit too hard.

Holiday day 1

10km in Kangaroo Valley in 41:12. Beautiful day and the best place for a run.

Great run by Uncle Dave in the Paris marathon - 2:21 to finish well up in 23rd place. Speaking of which, Kanser is trying to goad me into running Gold Coast marathon, first by betting $100 I won't break 2:40 then telling me I'm running scared of the Tiger. I'll spend the holiday considering my options...

Longish Sunday

Did 5km at 6.30am then caught up with Quentin and a Kiwi chap called Clive (he knew Clyde, but in my experience anyone who can run and hails from NZ knows Clyde) to run along Manly to Spit, then up to Seaforth Oval before heading back to Manly via Campbell Parade. All up 25.5km in 2:01 - slow pace but lots of bush. We finished pretty quick. Tired again from yesterday but on holidays now so all good.

Saturday tempo

Ok, so 2 weeks ago it was a hard run, rather than a tempo. Having been stuffed at work and with only 4.5 hours sleep last night and thirty minutes on the sofa over lunch with 4 kids jumping on me, the last thing I wanted to do was push hard today. Decided to take it out feeling comfortable then see if I could push on later. That's just how it went. Felt great running down Manly beach until I turned at Shelly and realized I'd had a following wind. Pushed hard into the wind on the way back up the beach and was rewarded at Queenscliff with a couple of quick kms out of the wind.

Total time was 36:12. Pleased as it felt OK other than having to work hard into the wind. Kms as follows:

3:45, 3:38, 3:38, 3:39, 3:43, 3:41, 3:31, 3:31, 3:35, 3:28

11.5km all up.

Couple of recent photos to keep my brother Alec happy.....

Friday meander

Caught up with MC, LF Charlie, Todd, Marc and Ray for a wander around Balls Head. Felt pretty tired despite the easy pace, probably the result of the first speed session in my legs from the day before. 13.3km in 66 mins.

97km for the week.

HuRTS 10 x 400m

Small turnout becuase we were doing some speed work. Honestly, the HuRT Squad don't live up to their name. Bunch of pussies. They're all more interested in Ultra Marathons and Triathlons. 10 x 400m is painful, both mentally and physically, if you do it properly. It's much easier to run 150km a week than do 2 VO2 Max sessions a week.

So the hardy bunch were myself, Wildman, Bartles, Young Timmy, JC, chap called Tim and Anton from UBS. Marked out the 400m (always slightly dodgy when going around an Oval) and set off. Reps went as follows:

66, 68, 66, 67, 67, 68, 68, 69, 68, 70

I normally finish the second half stronger than the first, but not today as the reps were solid from the word go chasing Wildman and trying to stay in front of Bartles. I reckon the lap was about 2s short despite what the Garmin says. I came last on the final rep, when the legs were just goooone. Wildman was about 2-3 seconds ahead on each, looking very strong, but blasted out a 61 on the final rep. Pleased to have stayed in the front of Bartles, the 800m specialist, on each rep other than the last, despite him taking "the Kanser line". Young Timmy will know what I mean. Speaking of which, Young Timmy was like a Kenyan today, popping up with the odd 67 interspersed with a couple of 82s.....

10km all up. Nice to do some speed.

Arse

4km jog to Spit for strength with Carl. Quite intense leg strengthening stuff today and a load of bloody skipping which I hate.

Had planned on running home but too much work has put paid to that. It never rains but it pours.

Hexham vs Morpeth

Session today was the Progressive Tempo and there was a cast of thousands already assembled by the time I showed up (late). All the familiar faces were there - Wildman, Young Timmy, hot to trot Durante, Enda, Quentin, Bartles, JF, Dicky H, Pete W, Jason, JC, Rob, Sam, etc. Tucks was there but only to show us he could do the same session by himself and didn't need us. Timmy rocks up with a girl with a familiar accent who happens to be from Morpeth. Now, those not familiar with the English county of Northumberland will not realise that there there are only two towns of any note in it - Hexham (from where I came) and Morpeth (from where Sian, Timmy's friend came). The rivalry between them was similar to that between Sydney and Melbourne. I Googled a couple of pictures of the towns so that you can see which is Sydney and which is Melbourne:


Hexham



Morpeth


Anyway, a lovely girl nonetheless.

Perfect conditions today. Great session to do as you can chat for the first half before things get serious in the second. Judging by the km splits, it was a perfectly judged progressive tempo:

4:03, 4:01, 3:57, 3:51, 3:48, 3:43, 3:37, 3:25, 3:23, 3:21, 3:32, 3:28

The last 2kms blow out a bit coming up the hills.

Ran with a big group up front including Wildman, Bartles, JF, Jason, Dicky H and Quentin. After the turn (just past 6km under the first bridge on Hickson Rd), the pace stepped up again and from there it just wound up trying to drop people from the front group. Stevie really increased the pace around Farm Cove and dropped the rest of us. I tried to push on up the hills and thought I'd dropped the rest before Quentin reappeared with a sprint so I finished with him.

Nice session. Got back in 44:19 so well under, with the final Gate to Gate in under 10mins. 12.02km averaging 3:41's.

1km jog there and 2km warmdown for 15km all up.

Home run

Ran home. Saw Fats. Felt tired. I trust that at some point all this training will come together.

Lap of the Lake STaR

Took advantage of the end of Nipper season and the clocks going back to turn up to Dee Why for the new Lap of the Lake STaR. Flakey, Steve Hume, Georgie, new chap called Richard Banks, Mark F, Jo C etc were there for the 6.20am group. Very easy pace and enjoyable run as a result. Ran short of time towards the end in order to get Bec to soccer so cut short and sped up a bit. Total of 29.05km in 2:17:14 (4:43's).

Interesting looking at my post on April 7th 2007 - the last time I ran Six Foot then followed up with the April Striders 10km. Almost exactly the same time and same sentiments as yesterday. Just hope I can improve this month the same way I did back then.

Striders Lane Cove - 9th in 34:14

Felt pretty good about this race. Got up early, did a 3km jog, a few run throughs, had a chat and was off.

Here's a start line photo standing next to Young Timmy, Tucks, Dave Criniti and Pete Walker:



Didn't want to go too quickly off the line so held back a bit then pushed on after 500m to catch Tucks. Went through 1km in 3:19 and 2km in 6:41. Then ran up the hill to Scribbly Gums where it all started to go wrong. Tucks pulled ahead on the way back down and Brendan Davies and Jonathan Bleasel caught me between 3 and 4km. Stayed with them up the hills until the turn where we were closing on Tucks slightly. Felt OK on the way back down but then had a shocker between 6km and 8km where I just let them get away without really putting any effort in, as if I just wanted an easy ride. Chap behind (Craig) caught me at 8km which spurred me into action. Finished with a 3:12 final km to hold him off (photo conveniently taken when running relatively quickly).



Pretty disappointed with the run. Finished the race without feeling spent. I think I just need to race more and get used to the feeling of being under pressure etc. Plenty of races coming up.

Easy peasy

5km after work very slow around and about. Looking forward to the race tomorrow.

Big brother Alec is visiting but too lazy to come and watch me race. Tells me he was chatting to a bloke at work today whose son was apparently a handy runner. I asked what his name was and he said dunno, but his Dad's surname is Gregson.

92kms for the week.

Panadol and whisky

Defeat. Humiliation. Embarassment. Last of the HuRTS Boys. Chicked. Beaten by Young Timmy. Where to from here? Well, as Yazz famously said, the only way is up.

Rocked up to register and was given number 13. I had an inkling at that stage that things may not fare well for me. Met up with Wildman, Durante, Young Timmy and Enda with everyone looking a bit nervous, not least because we'd all taken our tops off. I started trying to make Stevie nervous by telling him that the double knots in his laces would cost him 2 seconds in transition and that he should go to a single bow like me. Enda told us we were both amateurs and that we should have elastic laces like him. We told him he was gay.

So we set off and I hang back a bit trying not to go lactic up the hill then push ahead to the front next to Stevie feeling good and, what do you know, my lace comes undone. Stop at Mrs Macs Chair to do it up and everyone comes streaming past. Do it up then start trying to chase people, overtaking a heavily gasping Timmy first of all. Run past Kanser and Tucks spectating who abuse me for letting a half fit Durante and Enda be in front. Catch Durante and Enda by the hill before the Freeway bridge and, what do you know, the lace comes undone again. So stop and do it up at the turn, giving them another 10 seconds. Still feeling good so start chasing them again. Run past Kanser and Tucks at the point where I happen to be the same distance behind Enda and Durante as I was first time I passed them. Then my other shoelace comes undone. I think, f**k this, the thing can come off for all I care now. Running angry I catch Durante and Enda just before the end to get to the pool in second place, with Stevie now about 40s in front. Despite only have one shoelace to undo, I still manage to transition slower than Enda and Durante, probably because I stood on the edge of the pool thinking how the hell am I going to manage this. Managed about 30m of freestyle before reverting the breaststroke. Blokes are flying past me at this stage, but not Timmy yet. Reach the final length and see Timmy 10m behind me. Make a half arsed attempt at freestyle to hold him off but in truth it was about 3 strokes, then give up. Then Greta comes past on the inside with 5m to go. I pull myself out of the pool a shattered man and just stand there waiting for the ribbing to begin.

Lovely few beers in the Wolloommoolloo Bay Hotel after, telling stories and cracking jokes. I thought Wildman was coming out to play for a moment when Stevie made an inappropriate remark about the organiser having sex with an old lady just as the room fell silent, but he soon disappeared after getting a phone call from the wife. Timmy was beaming like a Cheshire cat all night. Tucks had one for the road 5 times. Kanser's changed. Talking about bikes and stuff. Not cool. Enda told us he could have been a contender if Ireland had swimming pools. Durante told us Tiger was a pretender and that he could beat him over every distance from 800m to the marathon. Greta was lovely, couldn't have been beaten by a nicer lady.

Check out Timmy's blog for the photos. Might have to start calling him Tummy.

Results:

Stevie/Wildman: 18:08 (2nd)
Enda: 18:20 (4th)
Durante: 18:28 (5th)
Young Timmy: 19:43 (7th)
Greta: 19:47 (8th)
Me: 19:48 (9th)

Sore

Woke up and did a 4km Cliff Young special to Carl's. Told him I was too tired and sore for plyometrics so did lower body stretching and upper body strength. Achilles sore afterwards. At lunch did 6km very easy with Jules from work. Then Tiger for a massage (check out the new blog link and marvel at the mileage) then a few beers.

Not confident about the biathlon tomorrow. Body feels pretty knackered.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

The boys are getting fit. That's all I can say.

Found a new venue to do one of the toughest sessions on the calendar trying to avoid the crowds of Farm Cove. The venue was our spiritual home (Hickson Road) but veering off into Paul Keating's spiritual home (Barangaroo) for the second half. Rocked up to find JF half way through the session. With him warmed up, it meant the first rep was run at a pretty quick clip - I had it at 3:18 (JF had it a bit quicker on his Garmin). We basically then ran all of the reps at a consistent pace - reaching the same point (the big blue sign on Barangaroo) and getting back every rep. So about 3:18 to 3:19 pace. The final two reps were quicker at about 3:10 pace.

What was surprising was how many of the lads were up there at that pace. Wildman was leading but JF and Enda were up with him, Tucks and Rich too, Ray on every other rep, Clyde for the first 8-10, even Smolly on some. My legs felt like they'd been injected with lead - I was really struggling. Not sure whether it is a Six Foot hangover or just because I've had quite a strenuous previous 5 days. The lads would get away from me in the first half of each rep and I'd spend the second half trying to reel them in. Only came good on rep 10 (and I'd nearly pulled out before that) when you're pretty much running on reserves in any case.

2km jog there and back for 18km all up, a big session.

Funday Monday

Usual route. MC, Indrajeet, a large crowd of others from UBS, Craig, new chap Glen from Minters but then Richie H, Durante, Rob C and Big Mikey H join in after the start for good measure. The usual drop off after CQ with only Rob and Glen finishing with me. 35:20 on the way out (4:29's) and 33:58 for the way back (4:18's) for 1:09:08 for the 15.76km (4:23's). Felt tired again for first 4km then got into it.

Apparently poor Young Timmy has rolled one of his feminine ankles and is crying out of Thursday's gargantuan challenge. The news was received very poorly on today's run. Thursday night is shaping up for one of the highlight races of the year.

Getting longer Sunday

Straight up the beaches for 52:30 then turned around but quicker on the way back, finishing 23.12km in 1:42:27 (4:25's). Really struggled for the first 7km having set off after waking from a lunchtime nap and with yesterday's tempo in my legs. Then started to feel ok. Ran in my new Brooks Infiniti. Went into Northside Runners yesterday and said I wanted something similar to the Infiniti (given the line is now discontinued). He made me try on 4 different pairs - Nikes, Mizunos and Brooks Nervana or something. I quite liked the Nervanas but they didn't have a size 10, to which he then said; "I've got a pair of the Inifiniti in size 10".

Relieved not to have run the State 10km last night as there's a real risk Keith would have lapped me after he ran an amazing 31:51! Vlad and Dave also had great runs going under 31mins for the first time. Nice to see two Striders going top 3 in the State.

Saturday tempo

Kirsten told me my blog was boring so I'll stick to the facts. 10km tempo on the flat Manly 10km route. Bit of a southerly but not too bad. Much cooler than yesterday so they will be running quick times in the State 10km tonight.

34:59. Very happy. Splits as follows: 3:27, 3:32, 3:35, 3:32, 3:33, 3:29, 3:24, 3:27, 3:31, 3:29

1.5km warm up and down for 13km all up.

Au revoir DS Trainers

Tuesday I ran in my racing flats, Wednesday was a rest and Thursday again in my flats. Walk to work this morning with my achilles feeling great. Then run in my DS Trainers and it starts to feel sore again. I check out the heel and look at it! The shoes are only 8 weeks old but the heel fitting must be rubbing against my bursar so much it's worn away a big hole. So the DS Trainers are the problem. Didn't have any issues with the Brooks Infiniti so I'm going to try a Brooks replacement tomorrow.



Today's run was the usual route but with a ship in. Big crowd including MC, JF, JC, Clyde, Brendan, LF Charlie, Craig, Indrajeet, Laura, laura's mate etc. Very slow on the way out but picking the pace up a bit on the way back. 15.2km in 1:09:03 (4:33's).

86km for the week.

Tempo run in

Missed a run yesterday because I was busy at lunch then wasn't feeling great in the evening - sore throat, aching limbs. Think I overdid it on Tuesday but there are a lot of colds going around the office. Just being a lazy arse really though as I was in two minds.

Got a lunch on today so decided to punish myself with a tempo run in. I hate pushing it in the morning. I'm never fully warmed up and so it feels painful all the way as a result. Decided to try and mitigate this with a 2km easy jog before starting the run. Set off OK, running the first 2kms slightly up hill in 3:40 and 3:46. Got a shout from Dom on his bike at the bottom of Parriwi Rd then a pat on the back from Richard (Work) at the top. Ran 4:11 for the solid Parriwi uphill km. 23:09 at Spit Junction and was going well. 3:40 along Military Rd then started to lose concentration as I got into Neutral Bay. Struggled up the hills in Kirribilli and felt rotten for the drag of a hill over the Harbour Bridge but then suddenly got my second wind as I crested the bridge. Finished all up in 49:20. I think that's my third fastest over the disstance (PB is 48:45 set just before the City to Surf in 2008) but fastest run to work as opposed to home. Really pleased with that as I was hoping for something sub 51.

15km all up.

HuRTS 45mins Fartlek

On February 24th I said I probably had 2 more weeks until Wildman overtook us. I was a bit premature as it took him 4 but I don't think he'll be looking back now.

After all the rain of the past few days today was bright and sunny but very humid (for Flakey, it was 28C and 89% humidity). The session was bound to be tough as a result. Good crowd of the old timers today including Dicky H, Pete W, Young Timmy, MC, JF, Enda, Rob, JC, Bartles, Wildman, Tucks etc. Young Timmy made a dash to the front that EJ would have been proud of before calming down. I was in the front group with Tucks, Wildman and Bartles. Stayed this way until Circular Quay on the way out when Bartles dropped off - we were pushing the pace quite quick though. Turned just before the second speed bump on Hickson Road which wasn't bad given the detour at the Opera House. At this stage, we were averaging 3:31's. I managed to hold the pace until running under the Harbour Bridge when I started to struggle. Tucks had just dropped off and Stevie was pushing on so it was just a question of hanging on by myself and not letting the elastic snap too hard. Ran through 10km in 35:40 but really struggled around Farm Cove and up the hills with Stevie pulling further ahead. At this stage I was really dragging my feet on the 30s jogs. Finished the 45mins at 12.45km (3:36 average) and jogged back to the gates in 46:23. Caked in sweat and knackered but at least everyone struggled. Tucks cut short by missing out the Opera House, Bartles hit the wall badly. Only Stevie was strong out there today. Km splits show how the humidity affected us. As Richard H pointed out though, it will help us in Singapore.

3:25, 3:24, 3:36, 3:30, 3:29, 3:34, 3:38, 3:29, 3:41, 3:46, 3:45, 3:50 - final 450m at 4:10 pace.

Bit wet

It's been pretty wet recently. 130mm on Sunday, huge downpours again today. Had a meeting at lunch so ran home from work in a torrential shower. Could barely see for water getting in my eyes. Saw only one runner mad enough to be out there in those conditions - Fats!

Pretty easy run home in 58:44 (splits of 16:38, 30:38 and 49:49) but with the last 2km very slow trying not to fizz up a bottle of Diet Coke I bought for Kirst from the BP garage. I'm a good husband.

Weekend around and about

Sunday

20.3km in about 1:28 (4:24's) up to Seaforth Oval, along Wakehurst Parkway trail, down Alambie Rd then back through Manly. Nice run but heel a bit stiff.

Saturday

Finally feeling a bit better but seem to have muscle memory resulting in me collapsing at the sight of a hill. 10.5km around and about at 4:17 pace ending up the hills at Balgowlah Heights to pick up the car. Tried to at least not shuffle up the hills.

Run in

Ran to work. Felt good at times, felt dead at times. 27:27 at Spit Junction and 58:25 all up (sounds like a slow second half but didn't feel that way?). Hills still scare me.

70km for the week.

Lazy arse

Enjoying this post marathon recovery malarkey. 4km jog to Carl's this morning and a very easy workout with him plus Tiger massage this arvo. Eating the house down and enjoying a few beers.

Walking like Elvis

Quads are still shot. I feel like someone has taken to them with a hammer. Just an 8km jog today with Quentin, Dickyboy and Jason. Tried to do some heel kicks to stretch the thighs but it just made me cry.

Couple of photos added from Six Foot. I tried very hard not to mince my way across the river but it looks as though I failed again.

Six Foot Track - 9th in 3:49:57

Approached the race feeling pretty good. Training had gone well, tapered well, no illnesses and was feeling pretty good. Nothing to complain about which is rare for me. Rocked up to face the longest toilet queue in the world, stood there panicking a bit then finally joined Wave 1 next to Tucks and Quentin. Decided to push the start a bit quicker so as not to get stuck going down Nellies Glen, Quentin jumped ahead of the two guys in front of me who proceeded to take it very gingerly allowing Quentin to gap them significantly. The girl behind me (Anna Frost) was getting a bit impatient behind so we let her through.

Picked the pace up with the two Gramps Army runners in front, one of whom was David Hosking, who I'd end up running quite a bit with. Pace was quick along here, with km splits of 3:34, 3:49, 3:50 and 3:52. Always love this bit of the race before the pain begins. Followed David all the way to Cox's (overtaking a few on the way, including Anna). Launched myself into the deep river so as not to look like a mincer and proceeded to overtake David and another chap in the process. Crossed the Cox's mat in 1:08:50. Then the hills begin. The hills to Mini-Mini are the worst. Ran them all until I heard a familiar voice just before the open field and sure enough Tucks comes past. Ran with him until the bugger of a hill to the top of Mini-Mini where I started to walk. I was plodding so slowly that I was starting to cramp up, so figured I might as well walk the very steep bits. Tucks of course kept on running and started to gap me. Going up Pluvi I ran by Timmy Ashby but was overtaken by David Hosking and Anthony Scott (who went on to finish 4th!). Reached Pluvi in 2:14:55 (I think). From then on, it was a pretty lonely experience. Had very black thoughts along Black Range (where did those extra hills come from?). Got very worried about being "chicked" as very time I went past an aid station I'd get a cheer then 30seconds later would here a cheer twice as loud. After crossing Caves Road I put a real effort in to get some low 4min kms. Massively relieved to finally see the finish and got all emotional as usual. Shame Dad and the kids were still doing a Jenolan Caves tour so went for a massage instead.

First PB for 2 years which is a bit of a relief. I was worrying about getting old. Having said that, this does seem to be a gnarly old man's race.

Great result by Quentin to run 3:44 on debut. Tucks is a machine, running 3:41 after being just out of sight at Pluvi. He must hammer the Black Range. Nice couple of bees with Eoin, King James, Marc, Dickyboy and Rob after.

Body a bit beaten up. Hip flexors are very sore and Achilles not great. I'll take it very easy this week.

Thanks for the SMS's - sorry i couldn't respond until now as there's no coverage at Caves House.

Here and there

Jog around Hyde Park, Mrs Macs Chair and Macquarie St prior to catching the Fast Ferry. 8kms in 35 mins. Bumped into people doing the ABC Biathlon. Would have been a good day to do it judging by the pace of the leaders of the first wave.

Aims for Six Foot:

1. Don't die
2. Avoid requiring oxygen at end a la Dicky H
3. Enjoy myself
4. Beat Timmy Ashby
5. Run 3:49:19

We'll see.

Lots on

Terrible night's sleep last night. Claudia starts screaming at 3.30am and stops 2.5 hours later. Then up at 6.30m for conference speaking duties this morning. Sandbagged all day but manage a run home. Feel very average for the first half then it all comes together. 55:41 all up after splits of 15:52, 29:45 and 48:21. Need a couple of good nights sleep before Sat.

Run home

58:35. I'd normally say easy run to upset Young Timmy but after a last minute massage last night and not drinking enough water today my legs felt like lead the whole way.

Achilles much better though after some TLC over the past couple of days. Relieved as I was getting worried for a while. Not sure Saturday morning will do it much good mind.

Some very fast times on Saturday morning up at North Head. Vlad and Unc in particular smashing their PB's with low 31's, Bleasel and Bartles with sub 34's, Eoin running a PB and even Young Timmy getting back under 36. Spoke to Quentin on the ferry this morning who sounded a bit disappointed with his 33:27 saying he felt tired most of the way. Could be a lesson there if I cared to listen.

Usual Monday

15.8km in 70:23. Very easy on the way out and picking up a bit on the way back. Decent size crowd today with Luke, King James, Craig, Brendan, Laura, Ray etc. and, wait for it, Durante!! Couldn't Adam and Eve it when I got an email from Tigger asking if I was running today. He cut short for a meeting after circling the Opera House on the way back but we were well ahead of the others by that stage so I plodded home alone.

Manly 15km

Burnt Bridge Creek, Queenscliff, Shelly, Osbourne Road, Fairlight Pool and back via Willyama. Felt fine but achilles sore again. 15km in 64:22.

Cooler Brissy

Out again along the river but stayed on the river this time. Turned at 7km at the University of Queensland then came back the same way. Felt great after a couple of days easy. 14km in 58:54 (4:12's) but the splits tell the real story:
4:40, 4:58, 4:35, 4:19, 4:13, 4:18, 4:09, 4:03, 4:07, 3:58, 3:47, 3:45, 3:57, 3:58

105kms for the week.

Viva BrisVegas!

Couldn't fit in Hurt Squad in rushing to get to the airport (which I was secretly relieved about as I was feeling a bit tired and sore this morning) so arrived at the Sofitel in Brisbane, got Maps out on the iPad and searched for a run route. Remembered someone mentioning Mt Coot-tha on a thread on Coolrunning once so decided to get down to the river, stick to it and then head up to Mt Coot-tha. Worked perfectly. But bloody he'll, Brissy is humid. It's like Sydney on steroids. My vest has never been more sodden than when I got back. All up 14.3km in about 65mins (4:29's).

Wahey Benny!

How good is that! Way beyond all expectations! That is world class.

MLR Wednesday

4km this morning to Carl's doing the same session as last week but avoiding the calf raises with weights which my achilles didn't appreciate.

Lunch met up with Timmy, Wildman and Rob for the usual 18.8km route around Centennial. 10C cooler than yesterday and as a result the pace was relatively quick compared to recent weeks. 1:20:43 all up (4:18's).

HuRTS Progressive tempo

Chowed down some Voltaren last night. Bursar immediately better. Rocked up today feeling very lethargic in the 33C heat but encouraged by a big crowd including Tucks, Quentin, Bartles, Wildman, JB, Ray, Andy, Wildman, Jason, Pete W - basically you name it and they were there. Other than MC and Young Timmy, no doubt enjoying some swim time.

Set off and felt comfortable running 4:05's chatting to Bartles. Dropped the pace every 10 mins but then coming around CQ Tucks hit the front and were found ourselves running a 3:36. And we hadn't even turned around yet. I made an executive decision to turn at 23:15 as opposed to 23:30 given how fast we had run on the out leg and how warm it was - meaning we'd struggle towards the end. We reached the turn on exactly 6km. Still had a decent sized group at this stage so I decided to push the pace a bit to whittle it down. Tucks, Quentin and Bartles stayed with me all the way until Mrs Mac's Chair when I put in a bit of effort going up the hills and they were obviously saving themselves for the North Head 10km race on Saturday morning. Got back in 44:30 so averaged 3:52's on the way out and 3:32's on the way back. Actual splits on the Garmin went as follows (the dodgy one is under CQ on the return):

4:00, 4:04, 3:56, 3:41, 3:36, 3:41, 3:34, 3:36, 2:56(?), 3:24, 3:26, 3:35, 55s (3:23 pace).

Good confidence booster. One more tough session to go before Six Foot.

Easy Monday

...with the body only just holding together.

Took yesterday off as I was just too tired and sore. Left heel bursar flared up after hills last Thursday and has been sore. Thankfully not the achilles itself (I can do the eccentric loading with no pain) so may just take some Voltaren to get the swelling in the bursar down and avoid hills. Until Six Foot of course. Both knees also feel slightly sore too though.

Today was the usual Monday route with a couple of variations with another cruise ship in dock. Crowd included Craig, Laura, Indrajeet and James but after about 2 minutes it seemed to be just me, Wildman, Rob and Springer with the others further back. I felt great after a day off yesterday. Pace gradually picked up on the way back. Rob stopped at CQ and Wildman around Farm Cove so I finished it by myself. 16.00km exactly in 68:34 (4:17's) but with the final 3km up the hills in 3:58, 3:58 and 3:49.

Should just say congratulations in order for Young Timmy who ran a great race at the Equaliser yesterday to finish on the podium in 3rd. Outsprinting Fats in the process and showing the likes of Dickyboy a clean pair of heels. The training all seems to be paying off. Hamburglar also looked to have had a good result.

Bush run Part 4

Caught up with Quentin at 6.30am for the final bush run prior to Six Foot. We both agreed on just 2 hours today rather than the mammoth effort of last week. I was a bit worried about running in the bush without trail specialist Richard, and sure enough we took a wrong turn before we even got to Manly Dam. Entered the Dam via North Balgowlah, skirted around Manly Vale Public School then came back around the Western side arriving at the pipeline near Warringah Aquatic Centre. We then crossed the Wakehurst Parkway, came down to Seaforth Oval, down to Spit Bridge and ran the Spit to Manly. Lots of bush but we were running pretty quickly as shown in the splits (Garmin now fixed):

4:45, 4:17, 4:35, 4:40, 4:10, 4:14, 4:33, 5:22, 6:28, 5:23, 4:05, 4:06, 5:10, 4:14, 4:04, 5:07, 5:19, 4:26, 6:37, 5:51, 5:24, 4:30, 4:30, 3:54, 4:58.

25.00km in 2:00:43 averaging 4:50's. Much easier than last week. Quentin was dropping me on the technical uphill section of the Spit to Manly though. He'll go well at Six Foot if he runs it sensibly.

Left hammy pretty sore which I felt on the steep uphills. Right knee also giving me a bit of concern. Need Six Foot to arrive now so that I can give the body a much needed rest.

Last week was 110km despite not being able to get out on Friday due to work commitments. The day off was welcomed.

Cor Blimey Thursday - HuRTS Hills

Sent a late change of session notice to do hills. Was a late change of heart on my part. Last night the legs were so stiff I thought I'd better not do hills but then recovered pretty well overnight so thought, what the hell, I'm going to have to run up a few in 2 weeks time.

Jogged over to Darling Point with Wildman, Tucks, Clyde, Ray, Chris G, JC, Luke, Dom and Rob. Small but select group. I thought the hill was about 200m long so suggested 10 reps. Turns out it's 350m but we still did 10. It's fairly steep to start with, levels out then really kicks up again at the end. Every rep followed a familiar pattern. Ray would lead out with me behind and Tucks just behind me. Tucks would overtake me on the flatter section then we'd both overtake Ray on the steep section when the lactic kicks in. Averaged all the reps between 88 and 90seconds. Monstered at the end. Chris G very strong on the hills which is why he always does well at Six Foot. Ray also outperforms. Wildman looked buggered but it'll do him the world of good. I reckon I've got two more weeks before he overtakes us.

13.5km all up after the jog to and back.

Holy cow Wednesday

Jogged 4km to see Carl this morning. Did a strength session including squats with weights, lots of lateral core work and calf strengthening stuff with 60kgs on my shoulders.

At lunch it was out for the usual 19km route with Wildman, Todd, BK, Andy and RMR. The latter were running very slowly and BK dropped off the pace going up Ocean St so it was Todd, Wildman and myself for the rest of the run. Felt really good today although towards the end my legs were just numb rather than tired. Pretty convenient as it numbed the pain. Wildman is getting stronger with every run, although he did cut slightly short going down the Argyle Steps. Todd is also on very good form. Got a shout from LF Charlie near the end and then who should we see but Young Timmy claiming he tried to run with us but got all confused with the meeting time. I think he did a 6km jog instead.

1:23:43 so slightly quicker in these cooler conditions. Achilles is slightly sore due to my calves being so tight. Need to get the Thera Roll onto them.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

The HuRT Squad took a big leap forward today. All it needed was a drop in temperature to the low 20's and suddenly everyone is running all 14 reps (even Fenton, I say to audible gasps of breath) and doing them quickly at that.

Big turnout today but with the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth docked in the harbour, the crowds around Farm Cove were massive. Amazed we had no stacks, but fortunately the rain started during rep 3 which dispersed everyone pretty quickly.

Everyone seemed to be going off at a rate of knots in the first few reps, with Wildman, Quentin, Bartles, JF, Jason, new young bloke John, Todd, Timmy and Andy all to the fore. I seemed to be way back for the first half of each rep then would pick my way through in the second half. Still, Quentin and Wildman were ahead at least for the first 7 reps. First Gate to Gate was just over 3 mins and then each one after that was between 2:55 and 2:59 (3:13 - 3:17 pace). The last four picked the pace up with the penultimate rep run in 2:52 (3:09 pace) and the final rep all out with Quentin in 2:41 (2:57 pace). With just 60s rest these are supposed to be run at Half Marathon pace so this was way too quick. I don't know about this session. JF was saying that if we're maintaining (or even increasing) the pace, then it can't be wrong but I'd always thought the intention was to train the body to run at that pace with relative ease. Even though I felt OK, 3:15 pace is not relatively easy.

Good to see such a big crowd finish and all on good form. The warm weather training has done us good. Wildman will be killing us all in 2 weeks if he keeps on training. So will Timmy.

Easy Monday

Standard Monday route but with deviations due to the open air cinema and liner in Barangaroo. All up about 15km. Wildman was out and is getting stronger each run. Andy and Todd were the only two to do the whole thing with me. Not sure what happened to the likes of MC, Luke, Indrajeet and Laura who had also started with us. Forgot to start my watch so no idea about time but it started very easy with the pace increasing the whole way. Felt very bouncy by the end so feeling confident. Had the pleasure of bumping into Mr Durante near the Art Gallery.

Sunday recovery

Manly 10.2km route untimed, stopping at nearly every bubbler in the 33C heat but worse, humidity.

Felt shocking for the first 4km, then gradually started to feel more comfortable and was pleased to have got out by the end.

Bush Run Part 3

Caught up with Dickyboy, Quentin and his mate Sam at 6.30am for what turned out to be my longest run yet. Had been a bit worried about how I'd feel but needed have as I woke up feeling pretty good today. We headded out to Manly Dam, then up to Warringah Aquatic Centre, then via Forestville Ferrets grounds crossing Warringah Road to Garigal National Park, then around to Roseville Bridge, then back along the Nosh Track all the way to Seaforth Oval cutting back the quick way home.

A hell of a lot of bush in there. Total time on legs 2:47:51. Probably only about 32km though given how technical a lot of it was. Absolutely farked now. Quentin is looking strong.

Easy Friday

Wow. Amazing how good you can feel after a few days rest and taking it easy all week. Still a bit tight in the chest and not completely over the man flu yet.

Today was the usual Monday/Friday route but cutting short up through the City when reaching CQ on the return. Rob, Marty, Craig, Indrajeet, Simon and BW were out. 53:44 for 12km.

Hoping to be well enough for a long one tomorrow morning. Dickyboy and Quentin each have plans for a long one early on, I'm trying to marry the two proposals...

45kms for the week. Bit of a step down due to illness but I probably needed the rest.

Family Photo

 

The lurgy is about

Feeling slightly better again but not strong enough to cope with anything more than a jog. Did the 10km route running into the boys doing gate to gates around Farm Cove. Ran a couple of those with Timmy (i.e. eased up a bit from the jog) then saw Tucks running the other way so jogged back around Mrs Macs Chair to the office. 11.5km all up in 49 mins.

Sounds like Tucks has had the same lurgy as me, as have a few other lads in the squad. Good to see Page 3 Wildman upfront on the reps. He might need to pop down to Target and check out the bras though, he could have an eye out with those bouncing around.

Tiger was right

He told me to take a day off whenever I had a hangover. I ignored him and got sick again. More Man Flu. Felt the slightest bit better this morning so jogged the 4km to Carl's for my personal training session. Just a load of stretches today with some core at the end. Hope to be feeling well enough for a proper run tomorrow. The 4km doesn't meet the CT test.

More turmoil in the Australian legal market as of today's news. I'm waiting by the phone for my call...

By Jove

CT once said he counted anything over 30minutes as a run. On that basis, this one just sneaks in. Manly 7.5km route in 33:32 after a morning on the Golf course at Elanora. Wanted to end it from the first step. Worst run of 2011.

Hungover Manly 10.2km

It was always going to be a struggle after a night out with the HuRTS boys. Wildman lived up to his reputation, Kanser didn't mention the injury once, Timmy disappointed us on the Pool table, Fast Charlie flew in from Vegas and MC lasted all of 20 minutes. I could script these things.

Today was a steady 10.2km Manly route. I say steady but about half way around I realised I'd have to work hard to get under 40 minutes so started to push it. 15:45 at Queenscliff, 21:59 at Manly SLSC and 39:54 all up (3:55's). Bumped into Thamal and had a quick chat. Sounds like he's recovering from something similar to JB - a virus brought on by over-training.

Easy Friday

Usual route with the detour due to a boat on Barangaroo. 35:08 out and 34:07 back. Easy run with Craig, Coops and Marty but felt shattered this afternoon, probably the delayed effects of yesterday.

103km for the week (due to the missed run) but high quality nonetheless.

HuRTS Hills

Made a late change to the Hickson Road session but still had a fair turnout including JF, Brendan W, Rob, Marc, Ray, Ali, Todd and the fastest man in Erskineville.

We did some hills. Plenty of them. Followed a Sean W suggested session and marked out a 100m in the Botanical Gardens and ran 30 of them. The first 10 at 80% effort, the second 10 at 90% effort and the final 10 at 100% effort. Quick jog back down after each and a 2 minute rest between each set.

All worked out well. Pretty much all the first set were in 24s. The next set were in 22/23s and the final set in 21s with a couple of rogue early 22s. Struggled over the last final reps with Ray, Young Timmy and Todd showing me a clean pair of heels. The burglars. Where were they in the first set and a half I ask you?

Nice day today with a cooling breeze. 4km warm up and down for 14km all up.

In like Flynn

Ray Flynn that is. Finally got my confirmation of entry into Six Foot.

Very easy 19km route around Centennial Park today with RMR, BK and Andy doing the whole thing and various others dropping off beforehand. 1:25:45. Felt pretty sprightly towards the end so pushed on a bit.

Achilles has been stiffening up a bit recently so need to watch that but right groin/sartorius issue has gone after lots of work on the glutes.

Good summary (Part 1) of racing in 2010 from Benny here

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Good session today. Was a bit worried backing up from 30km yesterday but legs felt OK running down Macquarie St with Laura and the UBS boys.

Ran in the front group with Quentin, Bartles, Dicky H and Andy. Quentin and I pulled ahead a little going up the hills on the first rep to finish the 10mins at the final lamppost (15m short) - 3:26 pace. We all regrouped after 2 mins to start from the Stone Gates for the return leg downhill and finished the 2.92km in 9:37 (3:17 pace). I was determined to get to the Stone Gates on the tricky third rep so pushed the pace up the hills and finished strongly with Quentin just missing out in getting there in 10:01 (3:25 pace). We had a bit of a headwind on this rep too. The last rep was just a question of holding on. Legs started to feel a bit numb but was pleased to finish pretty strongly in running the 2.92km in 9:34 (3:16 pace).

Good confidence builder as it was a solid session. Dicky H and Bartles both going well. 14km all up.

Comeback of the Century!

No, I'm not referring to my race result. But the mighty Toon's response to being 4-0 down after 26 minutes (and still at 68 mins) against Arsenal. There would have been a few celebrations in the Bigg Market after Tiote's Goal.

Queenscliff Nipper champs early yesterday with friends coming around in the afternoon (and an early start on the beers) meant no run yesterday. First day off in 2011 and my longest continuous running streak - 36 days. Made up for missing the sacrosanct long run today by doing the usual loop early by myself then joining the group (MC, LF Charlie, Bartles, Ray, Dicky H, Indrajeet, King James, Craig etc.). Very easy pace the whole way. 30km in 2:14:30.

Sun Run

7th in 22:05(ish).

Early morning start a 6.45am kick off so Tiger picked me up at 6.00am before we picked up Quentin and Hamburglar, parking at Curl Curl before jogging the 2km to the start line. Queued for ages for the only toilet in Dee Why before lining up. It was hot this morning (again, sounding like a broken record) and very humid. I was sweating on the start line. Timmy Rowe and Vlad were there so that sorted out the first two places, but it didn't stop a load of young pretenders sprinting off the start line. I thought my legs weren't working as there were loads in front of me but started to overtake them going up the hill.

Went down the other side pretty quick but Quentin and another chap came past at the bottom and immediately gapped me. Overtook a young lad around South Curl Curl SLSC but that's the way it stayed for the rest of the race. It was bloody hilly and I just couldn't get the legs turning over fast enough. Quentin ended up in 5th about 20s in front.

First race since November and I need to do some more. Also need to do some hill work and more tempos. But generally all on track.

Old Stomping Grounds

Very slow 14km around the old stomping grounds of Balls Head (including the bush track). Team included MC, Ray, Craig (new blog referenced), Brendan, Adam Conquest, LF Charlie and Louis. 69:18.

121km for the week.

HuRTS Pyramid

2km warm up jog to Art Gallery. Singlet and shorts soaking despite only running 5 min kms. Bloody humid and it's 37C out there now. Wouldn't fancy doing the 5000m in these conditions tonight. Jog over to Rushcutters with Tucks, Ray, Todd, Phil W, Coops, Chris G, John C and a few others for the pyramid. Decide just to cruise it today because:

(a) had the Allens swimming carnival last night followed by a few too many Coopers Pale Ales at the Tilbury; and
(b) wanted to save something for Saturday morning.

Did the first lap in 89s (3:19's) so decided just to run them all at that pace. Reps went as follows:

1 lap: 89s
2 laps: 3:02
3 laps: 4:35
4 laps: 6:00
3 laps: 4:28
2 laps: 2:57
1 lap: 84s

Felt not quite comfortable but not too hard. Beautiful running surface, mown green grass with plenty of bounce.

I performed with distinction at the swimming carnival:

50m Backstroke: Last.
Partners race (freestyle): Last.
4 x 50m freestyle relay: My team last.
50m Breastroke: 3rd in the A Division.

My 50m breastroke was faster than my freestyle (and I almost had to be fished out of the pool in the backstroke). Had a good chat with Libby Trickett who was lovely.

Steamy Wednesday

Not quite as hot as yesterday (33C) but a slight breeze today which made a huge difference. Last night was a shocker. Not a breath of wind so just lay sweating all night in a 28C sauna.

Just MC, a mate of his I'd not met before, RMR and Big Mikey H today, with MC and his mate peeling off at the first lap around Centennial. Took it very easy due to the heat just trying to get the kms into the legs. Having said all that, I felt better today than any day this year. Not an ache or pain to speak of and felt pretty sprightly. I'll put it down to the Tiger massage yesterday.

All up 1:25:38 for the 18.7km (4:34's). Good to see Big Mikey H out again. At one point he asked whether we were going to do marathon pace stretches (like the good old days). I quickly hosed down that idea. I once did this loop with him in 1:14:43 (July 30 2008).

HuRTS 5min reps

It was carnage out there today. With scenes reminiscent of Passchendaele, grown men were left weeping spead-eagled around Farm Cove in the 35C heat. Wildman (2 reps) - goneski. Dicky H (3 reps) - kaput. Fast Charlie (4 reps) - au revoir. Big Mikey H (6 reps) - auf wiedersehn. JF (6 reps) - ciao. It was left to the hard men of running to see this session through. Jason I, Young Timmy, Tucks, Quentin, RMR, Ray, King James and myself - all runners schooled in the University of hard knocks with diplomas in perseverance - finished all 8 and rewarded ourselves with a dip in the harbour. Best way to spend a lunchtime. There's not many cities in the world you can do that.

In truth, we started pretty easy. Big Mikey H pushed reps 3 and 4 which were our quickest. Normally we pick the pace up as we go but we were just holding on to the original pace for the final reps just trying to deal with the heat. The 90s rests would either be spent jogging to the bubbler or hiding under a tree. Massive crowd despite the conditions and great to see some old familiar faces returning.

Quentin is running on Saturday which should give me something to aim for. Only 8 promoted from the Vets waitlist for Six Foot this morning so I'm now number 9 on the list...